Incorporating and coordinating multiple home systems into a play experience

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for controlling devices in a synchronized fashion. Embodiments include determining one or more environmental devices are available within a physical environment. A first interactive game that is playing within the physical environment is detected. Embodiments determine an environmental condition during a first playback event within the first interactive game. The one or more environmental devices within the physical environment are then controlled during playback of the first playback event within the first interactive game, based on the determined environmental condition.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to entertainment systems, andmore specifically to techniques for controlling a plurality of devicesto provide an immersive user experience.

Description of the Related Art

Computer graphics technology has come a long way since video games werefirst developed. Relatively inexpensive 3D graphics engines now providenearly photo-realistic interactive game play on hand-held video game,home video game and personal computer hardware platforms costing only afew hundred dollars. These video game systems typically include ahand-held controller, game controller, or, in the case of a hand-heldvideo game platform, an integrated controller. A user interacts with thecontroller to send commands or other instructions to the video gamesystem to control a video game or other simulation. For example, thecontroller may include a joystick and buttons operated by the user.

While video games allow the user to interact directly with the videogame system, such interactions primarily influence the graphicaldepiction shown on the video game device (or on a connected display),and rarely influence any other objects outside of the virtual world.That is, a user may specify an input to the video game system,indicating that the user's avatar should perform a jump action, and inresponse the video game system could display the user's avatar jumping.However, such interactions are typically limited to the virtual world,and any interactions outside the virtual world are limited (e.g., ahand-held gaming device could vibrate when certain actions occur).

Modern technologies such as augmented reality devices enable gamedevelopers to create games that exist outside of traditional video gameplatforms (e.g., where the virtual world is solely output through adisplay device). Using such technologies, virtual characters and othervirtual objects can be made to appear as if they are present within thephysical world. In such augmented reality experiences, it is generallypreferable for the virtual character to be rendered with realisticdimensions and positioning, in order to enhance the illusion that thecharacters are truly present within the physical world.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide techniques for controlling environmental devices ina synchronized fashion. Embodiments include determining one or moreenvironmental devices are available within a physical environment. Afirst interactive game that is playing within the physical environmentis detected. Embodiments determine an environmental condition at a firstplayback position within the first interactive game. The one or moreenvironmental devices within the physical environment are thencontrolled during playback of the first playback position within thefirst interactive game, based on the determined environmental condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited aspects are attained andcan be understood in detail, a more particular description ofembodiments of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had byreference to the appended drawings.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a playtime environment in which a controller isinstructing interactive devices, according to one embodiment describedherein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a storytelling environment with a plurality ofplaygroups, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a physical environment including storytelling devicesand a user, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for controllingenvironmental devices based on playback of audiovisual content,according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for controllingenvironmental devices based on playback of audiovisual content,according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for controllingenvironmental devices based on playback of audiovisual content,according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an interactive object, accordingto one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a controller device, according toone embodiment described herein.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile device configured withan augmented reality component, according to one embodiment describedherein.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an augmented reality headset,according to one embodiment described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, embodiments described herein provide techniques forcontrolling devices in a synchronized fashion. Embodiments includedetermining one or more environmental devices are available within aphysical environment. For instance, the environmental devices couldinclude window covers, illumination devices, temperature control devicesand the like. A first instance of audiovisual content that is playingwithin the physical environment is detected. Examples of audiovisualcontent include, without limitation, video content (e.g., streamingmovie content), video game content and augmented reality game content.Embodiments determine an environmental condition at a first playbackposition within the first instance of audiovisual content. For instance,embodiments could analyze metadata for an instance of video contentplaying within the physical environment to determine that the videoframes at a current playback position of the video content depict a darkand snowy arctic scene. Embodiments could then control the one or moreenvironmental devices within the physical environment during playback ofthe first playback position within the first instance of audiovisualcontent, based on the determined environmental condition. For example, atemperature control device could be controlled in order to lower thetemperature of the physical environment. As another example, embodimentscould control one or more illumination devices within the physicalenvironment to dim the level of illumination within the physicalenvironment. Doing so enhances the user's experience during the playbackof the audiovisual content.

Particular embodiments are described herein with respect to an immersivestorytelling environment in which a story is played back through theinteraction of storytelling devices (also referred to as interactivedevices). More specifically, embodiments may use various storytellingdevices, each capable of producing some auditory and/or visual effect,to create an immersive and interactive storytelling experience for auser. Such a system may include a variety of storytelling devices and acontroller, connected via a network (e.g., an RF communicationsnetwork). Each storytelling device generally represents any devicecapable of enhancing a storytelling experience, in response to userinput (or some stimuli) a current context of a story. For instance, thecontroller device could configure the storytelling devices with stimulusand response information, based on a current context of a story. As anexample, the controller device could configure a particular storytellingdevice to generate audiovisual messages responsive to a certain stimulusevent (e.g., a user performing a particular action), and to performanother action responsive to other stimulus (e.g., the user notperforming the particular action within a predefined window of time).Generally, the controller may be one of the plurality of storytellingdevices, or the controller could be a standalone device (e.g., acomputing device executing a control application).

Generally, each of the storytelling devices can have differentcapabilities in terms of audio output devices and audio processing andstorage capabilities. For instance, a first device may include multiplehigher quality speakers and a greater amount of audio processing andstorage resources, while another storytelling device can include arelatively limited speaker and relatively limited audio processing andstorage resources. This could be because, for instance, higher qualityspeakers, processing and storage resources are generally more expensive,and it can be desirable for economic reasons for certain storytellingdevices to be lower cost devices.

As a result, certain audio effects may have a higher quality sound whenplayed using the hardware of a particular storytelling device, relativeto when the audio effect is played using another storytelling devicewith more limited hardware. As such, embodiments can tailor audio outputduring a storytelling experience such that that an optimal device isselected for particular sound effects during the story. For instance, inan Iron Man® themed story, a particular audio effect could representJarvis' voice giving instructions and updates to the player as part ofthe story. As the character Jarvis is not represented by any of thestorytelling devices used to play out the story, it could bethematically appropriate to output the audio effect representing Jarvis'voice through any of multiple storytelling devices used in the story. Assuch, embodiments could select one of the storytelling devices bestsuited to output the audio effect with the highest quality (e.g., thestorytelling device having the speakers, processing and storagecapabilities best suited for outputting the particular audio effect) andcould instruct the selected device to output the audio effect. Moreover,such devices can be selected dynamically throughout the story, asdevices may enter and exit the story playback for a variety of reasons(e.g., a new device is brought into the physical area where the story isbeing played out, a device runs out of battery power, etc.).

Additionally, in some cases the storytelling devices can be configuredto work in unison to output a particular sound effect. For instance, asingle sound effect could be output on multiple devices in unison inorder to create a stereophonic or surround-sound experience for theuser. In doing so, a slight time delay can be introduced in the playbackof the sound effect across the multiple devices, to avoid phasecancellation between the sound effects being output by the devices. Asanother example, the devices can be configured to output the soundeffect with a more significant time delay in order to create aparticular auditory effect for the user. For example, in a story thatsimulates the user being within a bee hive, the various storytellingdevices could each output the sound of a bee buzzing with a time delayin between the output of each of the devices, such that the sound of thebee buzzing appears to move throughout the physical environment. Thus,if the user is positioned between the various storytelling devices usedin the playback of the story, the sound of the bee buzzing could appearto encircle the user, thus creating an immersive auditory experience forthe user and enhancing the realism of the story.

Additionally, embodiments can include augmented reality devices togetherwith various storytelling devices as part of an augmented reality gamingenvironment. As used herein, an augmented reality device refers to anydevice capable of displaying a real-time view of a physical, real-worldenvironment while altering elements within the displayed view of theenvironment. As such, unlike a virtual reality device which displays aview of virtual world, an augmented reality device displays a view ofthe real world but augments elements using computer graphics technology.Such an augmented reality device may include a camera device (ormultiple camera devices) used to capture a view of the real-worldenvironment and may further include computer software and/or hardwareconfigured to augment elements of the captured scene. For example, anaugmented reality device could capture a series of images of a coffeecup sitting on top of a table, modify the series of images so that thecoffee cup appears as an animated cartoon character and display themodified series of images in real-time to a user. As such, when the userlooks at the augmented reality device, the user sees an augmented viewof the physical real-world environment in which the user is located.

Additionally, the software could identify a first physical object withinthe visual scene captured by camera devices of the augmented realitydevice. For instance, embodiments could analyze the visual scene todetermine the border edges of objects within the visual scene, and coulduse these border edges in order to identify one or more physical objectsexisting within the visual scene. Of note, as the captured visual scenerepresents a three-dimensional space (e.g., a physical environmentcaptured using a camera of the augmented reality device), embodimentsmay be configured to estimate a three-dimensional space occupied by eachof the physical objects within the captured scene. That is, the softwarecould be configured to estimate the three-dimensional surfaces ofphysical objects within the captured scene.

In response to detecting a known physical object with the visual scene,the software could render one or more virtual characters based on thephysical object's appearance within the captured frames. As an example,the augmented reality software could create a three-dimensionalrepresentation of the physical environment and could create a virtualobject or character to insert within the three-dimensionalrepresentation. The software could position the created virtual objector character at a position within the three-dimensional scene, based onthe depiction of the physical object within the captured frames. Forexample, the software could determine that the physical object isresting on a particular surface within the physical environment (e.g., atable surface, a floor, etc.), based on data about the size and shape ofthe physical object and the object's appearance within the capturedframes. Upon identifying the physical surface, the software couldposition the virtual object or character within the three-dimensionalscene, so that the virtual object or character is resting on theidentified surface. Doing so creates a more realistic experience for theuser.

Additionally, the software could scale the size of the virtual object orcharacter based on the depiction of the physical object within thecaptured frames. For instance, the software could store predefinedgeometric data for the physical object, specifying a shape anddimensions of the physical object. The software could then use suchinformation to determine how to size the virtual object or character inthe three-dimensional scene. For example, assume the virtual object is aspherical object that is 12 inches in diameter. The software coulddetermine a scaling for the virtual object based on the size of thephysical object within the captured frames and the predefined geometricdata specifying the physical object's known dimensions. As anotherexample, the software could create a virtual character and could scalethe size of the virtual character to life-size dimensions (e.g., thesize of an average human being), using the size of the physical objectwithin the captured frames and the predefined geometric data specifyingthe physical object's known dimensions. Doing so enables the augmentedreality software to create a realistic and consistent depiction of thevirtual object or character.

Generally, the augmented reality device can continue rendering frames ofthe three-dimensional scene interlaced with the frames captured by thecamera sensors of the augmented reality device, in real-time, as thedevice (and the user of the device) moves throughout the physicalenvironment. Advantageously, doing so provides a more immersiveaugmented reality experience for the user, as the user can paint thesurfaces of objects within the augmented reality world and the user'spainting will persist and remain accurate to the depicted physicalenvironment, even when the environment is viewed from differentperspectives using the augmented reality device.

An example will now be discussed with respect to FIG. 1, whichillustrates a playtime environment in which a controller is instructinginteractive devices to perform an effect, according to one embodimentdescribed herein. As shown, the system 100 includes an Iron Man® actionfigure 110, a Star Wars® blaster rifle 115, a Hulk® action figure 120,and a controller device 125. Here, the toys 110, 115 and 120 aregenerally capable of producing audiovisual effects (e.g., audio output,light effects, movement effects such as vibration, etc.). In oneembodiment, the toys 110, 115 and 120 may be configured with an actiondisc device (e.g., device 200 shown in FIG. 2 and discussed in moredetail below). Of note, while various examples are discussed herein withrespect to the toy devices 110, 115 and 120, it is broadly contemplatedthat these techniques can be utilized with any number of devices and anytypes of devices, consistent with the functionality described herein.

However, while the toys 110, 115 and 120 are capable of producingaudiovisual effects, the toys 110, 115 and 120 may not be configuredwith logic to determine when conditions in the physical environmentindicate a particular effect should be performed. This may be due to, inpart, the cost and complexity of configuring each toy 110, 115 and 120with the logic and hardware resources to detect stimuli in the physicalenvironment and to perform a contextually appropriate audiovisual effectin response synchronously with other devices. As such, the toys 110, 115and 120 could be configured to receive commands (e.g., from controller125) and to perform an audiovisual effect(s) responsive to the receivedcommands. Doing so allows the toys 110, 115 and 120 to be produced muchmore economically, while maintaining the capability to performaudiovisual effect(s) as part of a storytelling or playtime experience.

For example, as part of a Star Wars® storytelling experience, thestoryline could indicate that devices within the physical environmentshould play a particular sound effect when the user performs apredefined gesture to use the “force.” As such, the controller 125 couldmonitor the user's behavior to detect when the user has performed thepredefined gesture. For example, the controller 125 could use one ormore camera devices (e.g., within the controller devices 125, within oneor more of the toys 110, 115 and 120, etc.) to monitor the user'smovement within the physical environment. As another example, the usercould wear an article (e.g., a bracelet) configured with anaccelerometer device and capable of reporting data describing the user'smovement to the controller device 125.

Upon detecting the user has performed the predefined gesture, thecontroller 125 could broadcast a command to the toy devices 110, 115 and120, instructing the toy devices 110, 115 and 120 to synchronouslyperform an audiovisual effect. Such a command could be broadcast, forexample, via a radio-frequency transmitter, an infrared emitter, anultrasound transmitter, and so on. More generally, any communicationsprotocol may be used for the communication between the controller andthe toy devices 110, 115 and 120, consistent with the functionalitydescribed herein.

The toy devices 110, 115 and 120 could then receive the command andcould perform the specified audiovisual effect in synchrony. Forexample, in the event the command specifies to play a particular soundeffect, each of the toy devices 110, 115 and 120 could output theparticular sound effect in synchrony with the other toy devices, therebycreating an improved sensorial experience for the user, relative to anyof the toy devices 110, 115 and 120 playing the sound effectindividually. Here, the sound effect could be, e.g., a sampled soundeffect or a function-generated sound effect. Moreover, as discussedabove, by playing the sound effect synchronously with one another, thetoy devices 110, 115 and 120 can compensate for each other's weaknesses(e.g., a particular toy device being capable of outputting sounds withina limited frequency range), thereby producing an improved sound effectand sensorial immersion for the user.

While any number of toy devices can be used, the sense of immersionexperienced by the user generally scales with the number of devicesperforming audiovisual effects in synchrony. For example, the controller125 could detect when the user pulls the trigger to fire the blaster gun115, and in response, could broadcast a command to all of the toydevices 110, 115 and 120 to output the sound effect of the blast beingfired. Additionally, the controller 125 could instruct the toy devices110, 115 and 120 to perform additional audiovisual effects, such asflashing lights and movements, in response to the user firing theblaster. Doing so helps to overload the user's senses, thereby creatinga more immersive and realistic playtime experience.

Generally, a variety of techniques may be used to configure the toydevices 110, 115 and 120 to synchronously output the audiovisual effect.In one embodiment, the toy devices 110, 115 and 120 could be configuredto output the audiovisual effect immediately upon receiving the commandfrom the controller 125. Such an embodiment may be preferable when thetoy devices 110, 115 and 120 receive the command at substantially thesame time and when the toy devices 110, 115 and 120 take substantiallythe same amount of time to process the command and to perform thecorresponding audiovisual effect. As another example, each of the toydevices 110, 115 and 120 (as well as the controller 125) could maintainan internal clock whose time is synchronized to the internal clock ofthe other toy devices, and the command transmitted by the controller 125could specify a time at which to perform the audiovisual effect.Generally, any technique suitable for use in synchronizing the internalclocks may be used, consistent with the present disclosure. Examples ofsuch techniques include, without limitation, Network Time Protocol(NTP), Precision Time Protocol (PTP), Reference Broadcast TimeSynchronization, and so on.

Additionally, the controller 125 could be configured to selectivelyplayback certain audio effects on the devices 110, 115 and 120, based onwhich device is best suited for the playback of each particular audioeffect. For instance, a particular Iron Man® themed story could includeaudio effects representing dialogue from Jarvis, where Jarvis is notdirectly represented by any of the storytelling devices 110, 115 and 120used in the playback of the story. As such, the controller 125 couldselect one of the storytelling devices 110, 115 and 120 that is bestsuited to output the audio effect with the highest quality sound. Thus,the controller 125 could determine that the toy blaster rifle 115 hasthe optimal speaker configuration and audio processing capabilities tooutput the sound effects representing Jarvis' dialogue and couldtransmit the corresponding audio data to the blaster rifle 115 foroutput.

Of note, the controller 125 can be configured to dynamically determinethe optimal storytelling device(s) for outputting a particular soundeffect, as the available storytelling devices can change from story tostory and can even change within the playback of a single story. Forexample, during the playback of a particular story, the Iron Man® actionfigure 110 could run low on battery power and could be removed from thestory as a result. As such, the controller 125 could remove the IronMan® action figure 110 from consideration when subsequently placingaudio effects. As another example, the user's friend could visit theuser's house and could bring a fourth storytelling device into theplayback of the story. As such, the controller 125 could consider thefourth storytelling device in addition to the devices 110, 115 and 120when searching for an optimal device to output subsequent audio effects.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example storytelling environment, according to oneembodiment. As shown, the environment 200 includes a cloud computingenvironment 210 and a home environment 225, interconnected via network222. The home environment 225 includes two playgroups 230 ₁₋₂ ofstorytelling devices, as well as a user(s) 255 and a bridge device(s)250. Here, the user may connect to the bridge device 250 via anapplication (e.g., executing on a mobile device, rendered within a webbrowser, etc.). The cloud computing environment 210 hosts a plurality ofservices 215 and a portal user interface 220.

Generally, cloud computing generally refers to the provision of scalablecomputing resources as a service over a network. More formally, cloudcomputing may be defined as a computing capability that provides anabstraction between the computing resource and its underlying technicalarchitecture (e.g., servers, storage, networks), enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimalmanagement effort or service provider interaction. Thus, cloud computingallows a user to access virtual computing resources (e.g., storage,data, applications, and even complete virtualized computing systems) in“the cloud,” without regard for the underlying physical systems (orlocations of those systems) used to provide the computing resources.

Typically, cloud computing resources are provided to a user on apay-per-use basis, where users are charged only for the computingresources actually used (e.g. an amount of storage space consumed by auser or a number of virtualized systems instantiated by the user). Auser can access any of the resources that reside in the cloud at anytime, and from anywhere across the Internet. Doing so allows a user toaccess information and the services 215 from any computing systemattached to a network connected to the cloud (e.g., the Internet).

Each playgroup 230 _(1-N) generally represents a set of storytellingdevices involved in a unique storytelling or playtime experience. Forinstance, the playgroup 230 ₁ represents a science fiction-themedstorytelling experience and includes a light sword storytelling device235, an action figure controller storytelling device 240, and a trainerstorytelling device 245. Likewise, the playgroup 230 ₂ also represents ascience fiction-themed storytelling experience and includes a lightsword controller storytelling device 260 and an action figurestorytelling device 265. More generally, however, the playgroups maycontain any number of storytelling devices of any number of differentthemes and types.

Generally, the playgroups 230 include storytelling devices within aparticular physical location (e.g., a room of the house environment225). That is, it may be preferable for a storytelling experience toonly interact with storytelling devices within its immediate physicalproximity (e.g., within the same room), as to do otherwise canpotentially create security and other problems during the storytellingexperience. A number of different techniques may be used to determinewhich storytelling devices are within immediate physical proximity ofone another. For example, one or more of the storytelling devices couldemit a first signal (e.g., an infrared signal) and the otherstorytelling devices could be configured to transmit a response (e.g., aradio frequency signal (RF)) upon receiving the first signal. Thestorytelling device(s) could then receive the responses from the otherstorytelling devices and could create a playgroup 230 that includes theother storytelling devices as well as the one or more storytellingdevices.

Generally, it is advantageous for the first signal to be transmittedusing a technique that does not readily pass through barriers such asthe walls of a house (e.g., emitting infrared light), so as to detectonly nearby storytelling devices that are within the same physicalenvironment as the storytelling device. That is, while particularsignals (e.g., RF signals) may be suited for inter-devicecommunications, these signals may not be ideal for detecting nearbystorytelling devices as they may readily permeate through barriers suchas the walls of the house. Doing so helps to ensure that a storytellingexperience will not make use of storytelling devices in different roomsof a residence or potentially within different residences altogether.

As shown, the devices 240 and 260 have been elected as controllerdevices within the playgroups 230 ₁₋₂. Generally, a controller deviceconfigures each of the storytelling devices within a playgroup toperform certain actions in response to a detected stimulus event and acurrent context of the story being told. Since acting as a controllerdevice may result in more processing and data transmissions operations,serving as the controller device may also consume more battery power. Assuch, when two or more devices capable of serving as the controllerdevice are present within a playgroup 230, embodiments can consider thecurrent battery charge and battery capabilities of the capable deviceswhen selecting one of the devices to serve as the controller.

As discussed above, devices can join and leave the playgroups 230 duringthe playback of a story. As such, the controller devices 240 and 265 canbe configured to dynamically determine an optimal device(s) for theplayback of a particular audio effect and can optimize the audio effectfor playback on the determined device, based on the devices currentlyactive within the respective playgroup 230. Doing so allows audioeffects to be played back with the highest sound quality possible usingthe available devices, thereby enhancing the user experience during thestory.

The story may include a number of different contexts in a temporalorder, and the playback of the story may advance from one context to thenext until the last context is reached and the storytelling experienceis complete. However, while the story may be linear in progression, thisis not necessary. For example, a story could have different branches,where the story can proceed down one of many possible arcs. Forinstance, arcs could be randomly selected, selected based on a user'srequest (e.g., the user specifying which arc should be taken), selectedbased on the user's actions (e.g., the user manages to “rescue” one ofthe fictional characters in the story), selected based on the user'shistory of actions (e.g., whether the user is trending towards the “darkside” in a science fiction storyline), and so on. Moreover, the storymay be modified dynamically during playback based on various actions,such as one of the storytelling devices becoming unavailable (e.g.,losing power, leaving the physical environment, etc.) or a newstorytelling device being introduced to the environment (e.g., theuser's friend comes over to play, bringing one or more new storytellingdevices with him).

Additionally, the controller may maintain state information and controlgame logic for the playgroup 230. For example, playgroup 230 ₁ could beplaying out a story in which a user is asked by the action figure device240 to deflect virtual laser beams fired from the trainer device 245,using the light sword device 235. Here, the elected controller device(i.e., action figure 240) could maintain a “hit points” value for theuser that is decremented when the user fails to deflect one of thevirtual lasers, and could further maintain a count of how many virtuallasers the user has deflected thus far. Additionally, the controllercould retrieve state data for the user (e.g., by querying one of thecloud-based services 215 with an identifier for the user) and could usethe user state data to adjust the playback of the story.

In addition to detecting nearby storytelling device within the samephysical environment, the storytelling devices within a playgroup 230may elect one of the storytelling devices as a controller storytellingdevice. A number of different techniques may be used for such anelection. For example, a user could explicitly specify that a particularone of the storytelling devices (e.g., the user's favorite device)should be used as the controller. It may be preferable for the user toselect a device that will remain with the user throughout thestorytelling experience, so as to avoid a subsequent controller electionpart-way through the story. In one embodiment, the controller may beelected based on technical specifications and properties of thestorytelling devices. For example, a storytelling device with asubstantial amount of memory, processing power and communicationbandwidth may be preferable as the controller, relative to a devicehaving a lesser amount of computing resources.

As discussed above, the story may generally include stimulus events andcorresponding actions, and may be linear in progression or dynamic(e.g., a story that includes different story arcs or branches). In oneembodiment, the story may be defined such that each corresponding actionis attribute to a type or role of storytelling device (i.e., as opposedto a specific storytelling device). In mapping the story to theavailable and compatible storytelling devices, the controller device 220could determine a type of each of the storytelling devices, and couldassign particular stimulus events and corresponding actions to each ofthe storytelling devices based on the determined type. For example, aparticular story could state that an action should be performed by astorytelling device having the role of “Hero”, and the controller couldmap the action onto a storytelling device within the playgroup havingthe role “Hero”.

For instance, assuming that the storytelling device 240 represents afirst fictional character action figure, the controller 240 could assignany stimulus events and actions within the story that are specific tothe fictional character to the action figure 240. Likewise, if the storyincludes any stimulus events and actions designated for a hero-typecharacter in the science fiction universe, the controller 240 couldassign these stimulus events and the corresponding actions to the device240 as well. In the event multiple storytelling devices are availablethat satisfy the criteria for a stimulus event/action combination (e.g.,multiple hero devices are present and available within the playgroup),the controller 240 could select one of the storytelling devices toperform each of the stimulus event/action combinations. The controllercould use a number of different techniques for mapping the actions tothe compatible devices, including a random mapping algorithm, a loadbalancing algorithm (e.g., round robin), user preferences (e.g.,assigning more actions to a device the user has identified as hisfavorite), explicit user instructions (e.g., allowing a user tocustomize the story, such as selecting which character will narrate thestory), and so on. In one embodiment, the controller is configured toconsider the audio output and processing capabilities of the variouscompatible devices, when selecting one of the devices to perform a givenaction to a particular stimulus event. For example, when assigning adialogue action to one of the devices, the controller could select adevice capable of outputting the dialogue action with the greatest soundquality, in lieu of another device capable of outputting the dialoguewith a relatively poor sound quality. Advantageously, dynamicallymapping the story onto the available and compatible devices allows thestory to be used with various different storytelling devices andcombinations of storytelling devices.

In one embodiment, the story may specify a distinct, contextuallyappropriate action to perform for various types of storytelling devicesfor a given stimulus event. That is, the controller could determine thata particular story includes a stimulus event designated for a herocharacter, and could specify a corresponding action designated for aaction figure 240 and a separate, distinct action designated for andifferent hero character-based device. In such an embodiment, uponselecting one of the devices to respond to the stimulus event, thecontroller could assign the corresponding action to the device based onthe device's type. Doing so helps to create a more immersive andrealistic storytelling experience for the user, as the storytellingdevices can be configured to react to stimulus events in a mannerappropriate for the represented fictional character.

Once the controller maps the story onto the devices, the controllerconfigures each of the storytelling devices with a number of stimulusevents and corresponding effects relating to a first context of thestory. As an example, the action figure 240 could detect when the userhas successfully deflected a virtual laser fired from the storytellingdevice 245 (i.e., an occurrence of the stimulus event), and couldaudibly congratulate the user in response (i.e., performing thecorresponding effect).

In some cases, the controller (e.g., controller device 240) can map aparticular audio effect to multiple devices for playback. The playbackon the multiple devices can be done in unison or by using a time delayacross the various devices. For example, a slight time delay couldimprove the sound quality of a particular audio effect by avoiding phasecancellation of the audio output by the various devices. By doing so,the controller can achieve a stereoscopic or surround sound effect.

FIG. 3 illustrates a physical environment including storytelling devicesand a user, according to one embodiment described herein. As shown, theenvironment 300 includes a user 310 surrounded by a number ofstorytelling devices 315, 320, 325 and 335 as well as a control device335. Generally, the control device 335 can select two or more of thedevices 315, 320, 325 and 330 to output a particular sound and cangenerate a schedule by which the selected devices should output thesound. For instance, such a schedule could specify that the selecteddevices should output the sound in unison or could specify that each ofthe selected devices should output the sound effect at a different pointin time, so as to introduce a time delay between the audio output ofeach device.

For example, a particular story having a jungle theme could includeambient sound effects that simulate the sounds of a jungle, includingbirds chirping, insects buzzing, the sound of a distant waterfall, andso on. In outputting the ambient sound effects, the control device 335could distribute the various sound effects across the devices 315, 320,325 and 330 (with some potentially output by the control device 335itself) and could generate a timing schedule by which the various soundeffects should be played by the devices 315, 320, 325 and 330. Forexample, the schedule could specify that the sound effects should betemporally staggered (i.e., not all played at the same time) and coulddistribute the sound effects across the devices 315, 320, 325 and 330,so as to create a three-dimensional soundscape for the user 310.

Additionally, as discussed above, the control device 335 can considerthe individual audio playback and processing capabilities of the devices315, 320, 325 and 330 when distributing the sound effects, so as tooptimize the distribution of the sound effects to the most appropriatedevice 315, 320, 325 and 330. For example, a first sound effect couldcorrespond to the beat of jungle drums and could include significant lowfrequency sounds, while a second sound effect could correspond to thesound of a distant waterfall and includes primarily medium frequencysounds. As such, the control device 335 could assign the sound effect ofthe drum beat to one of the devices 315, 320, 325 and 330 having audiooutput capabilities best suited to playing low frequency sounds, andcould assign the waterfall sound effect to a device with more limitedaudio playback capabilities that is better capable of playing theprimarily mid-range sound effect. Advantageously, doing so allows thecontrol device 335 to optimize the assignments of the individual deviceswhen creating the soundscape for the user 310.

In one embodiment, the control device 335 is configured to consider theposition of the user 310 relative to the position of the devices 315,320, 325 and 330, when distributing and scheduling sound effects to thevarious devices 315, 320, 325 and 330. For instance, assume that aparticular story takes place within a bee hive and includes ambientsound effects simulating bees flying all around the user 310. Thecontroller 335 could consider the user's 310 position in distributingthe ambient sound effects to the devices 315, 320, 325 and 330 forplayback, so as to ensure the output of the sound effects creates animmersive and three-dimensional soundscape for the user. Thus, in thisexample, the controller 335 could schedule the sound of a bee buzzing tobe output by each of the devices 315, 320, 325 and 330 with a time delayin between each output, so that the sound of the bee appears torepeatedly encircle the user 310 who is positioned roughly in betweenall of the devices 315, 320, 325 and 330.

Moreover, the controller 335 can be configured to dynamically update theplayback schedule and the devices used in the playback in real-time, asthe position of the user 310 and the various devices changes. Forinstance, as the devices move throughout the physical environment (e.g.,when carried by a user, when moving on their own, etc.), the controller335 could dynamically update the playback schedule of the bee buzzingsound effect to maintain the effect of the sound encircling the user310. For example, a first sequential playback order for the bee buzzingsound effect could be devices 315, device 320, control device 335,device 330 and then device 325, which could repeat indefinitely providedthe devices 315, 320, 325, 330 and 325 and the user 310 remain in theirdepicted positions. However, if as part of the story playback thedevices 315 and 330 move throughout the physical environment and changepositions, the control device 335 could update the sequential playbackorder to be device 330, device 320, control device 335, device 315 andthen device 325.

In addition to coordinating the devices 315, 320, 325, and 330, thecontrol device 335 could control environmental devices 340 and 345within the physical environment based on an environmental condition at afirst playback position within an instance of audiovisual content.Generally, the environmental devices 340 and 345 represent items withinthe physical environment. Examples of such devices include lightingfixtures, window cover mechanisms (e.g., automated mechanisms foradjusting window shades for windows within the physical environment),temperature control devices and so on. The control device 335 couldperform an operation to determine which environmental devices 340 and345 are currently available within the physical environment (e.g., bycarrying out a device discovery protocol over a data communicationsnetwork).

Additionally, the control device 335 could analyze metadata for a firstplayback position of an instance of audiovisual content to determine anenvironmental condition associated with the first playback position. Asan example, frames at a particular playback position within a moviecould depict a bright, tropical location, and the control device 335could analyze metadata corresponding to the movie to determine that thebright, topical location is depicted at the particular playbackposition. The control device 335 could then control one or more of theenvironmental devices 340 and 345 within the physical environment duringplayback of the first playback position within the first instance ofaudiovisual content, based on the determined environmental condition.

For example, assume that the environmental device 340 is a window covermechanism. Upon determining that a bright, tropical location is beingdepicted, and upon further determining that the sun is currently out inthe geographic area in which the physical environment is located (e.g.,by querying a remote weather server using a data communicationsnetwork), the control device 335 could transmit an instruction to theenvironmental device 340 in order to raise the covers on the windows,thereby letting more sunlight into the physical environment. Doing soallows the physical environment to dynamically adjust to the currentposition in the audiovisual content.

As another example, assume that the environmental device 345 is atemperature control device (e.g., a WiFi-enabled thermostat, andstandalone heating and/or cooling device, etc.). Upon determining thatthe bright, topical location is being depicted, the control device 335could transmit an instruction to the environmental device 345 in orderto increase the temperature within the physical environment. Doing soallows the temperature of the physical environment to dynamically adjustto the current position in the audiovisual content. Additionally, insuch an embodiment, the control device 335 could be configured to adjustthe temperature of the physical environment based on an environmentalcondition at a future playback position within the audiovisual content.That is, as the environment's heating and cooling system may takeseveral minutes in order to adjust the temperature within the physicalenvironment, the control device 335 could begin adjusting thetemperature in advance of the playback position depicting the bright,tropical location, so that the temperature is increased when theplayback position is reached.

One embodiment includes an environmental device configured to provide auser experience of temperature changes within the physical environment,without altering the temperature throughout the entire physicalenvironment. As an example, an environmental device could emit warmer orcooler air (i.e., relative to the ambient temperature of the physicalenvironment) and could blow this air (e.g., using a fan or othersuitable mechanism) in the direction of a user. Such an embodiment maybe preferable over attempting to control the ambient temperature of thephysical environment, as such a device can adapt more quickly totemperature variations. For instance, an instance of video content couldinclude frames depicting a fire super power being used and additionalframes, a short time later, depicting an ice super power being used. Insuch an example, a thermostat environmental device configured to controlthe ambient temperature of the physical environment may be unsuitablefor such a situation, as such a device may not be able to alter thetemperature of the ambient environment quickly enough.

The control device 335 can be configured to recognize a number ofdifferent relationships between the position within the audiovisualcontent and the environmental conditions. As discussed above,environmental devices (e.g., illumination devices, television devices,etc.) can be instructed to display particular colors in response to auser-performed gesture, while other environmental devices can beconfigured to control the temperature of the physical environment inresponse to a depicted location within frames of video data.Additionally, the control device 335 could be configured to control thebehavior of the environmental devices based on a depicted time of daywithin the audiovisual content. For example, upon determining that acurrent position within the audiovisual content depicts a locationduring the day time and upon determining that the audiovisual content isbeing played during the day, the control device 335 could be configuredto raise the window blinds in the physical environment to let moresunlight into the physical environment. As another example, upondetermining that a current position within the audiovisual contentdepicts a night time location, the control device 335 could beconfigured to lower the window blinds and/or dim the lights within thephysical environment to match the lighting conditions of the currentposition of the audiovisual content. Advantageously, doing so enablesthe physical environment to better mirror the environment depictedwithin the currently playing audiovisual content.

Generally, the control device 335 can be configured to control theenvironmental devices for a number of different types of audiovisualcontent. For example, the control device 335 could adjust theenvironmental devices within the physical environment based on anenvironmental condition within an augmented reality play experience. Forinstance, the control device 335 could detect that a user has performeda predefined gesture within the physical environment. As an example, aparticular hand gesture could be associated with casting a frost boltspell within a particular augmented reality game. Upon detecting thatthe user has performed the particular hand gesture, the control device335 could adjust the temperature within the physical environment bytransmitting an instruction to the environmental device 345 (e.g., aWiFi-equipped thermostat) specifying to lower the temperature. Asanother example, responsive to detecting the user has performed thepredefined gesture, the control device 335 could transmit an instructionto one or more environmental illumination devices within the physicalenvironment, specifying to adjust the lighting within the physicalenvironment to include more blue coloration. As another example, thecontrol device 335 could instruct the environmental illumination deviceto dim or brighten the lighting within the environment, responsive to auser performed gesture (or based on metadata describing a playbackposition within a video game, movie or other audiovisual content). Doingso increases the realism of the augmented reality play experience.

Generally, embodiments can be deployed in a variety of differentphysical environments. For example, one embodiment is configured to beimplemented within a user's home (or other residence). In such anembodiment, the environmental devices could include devices such asWiFi-equipped thermostat, automated window coverings (e.g., automatedblinds), illumination devices (e.g., lighting devices configured withdata communication links), display devices (e.g., WiFi-equippedtelevision devices), audio devices (e.g., sound receivers) and so on. Asanother example, another embodiment is implemented within a vehicle. Insuch an embodiment, the environmental devices could include thevehicle's temperature control, window coverings, lighting devices withinthe vehicle, and so on. More generally, any physical environmentsuitable for carrying out the functionality described herein can beused, consistent with the functionality described herein.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for controllingenvironmental devices based on playback of audiovisual content,according to one embodiment described herein. As shown, the method 400begins at block 410, where a control device 335 determines a pluralityof environmental devices that are currently available within a physicalenvironment. As discussed above, such environmental devices can includewindow coverings, thermostats, lighting devices and so on. Generally,the control device 335 can determine a particular environmental deviceis available when the device is operating in a normal fashion (e.g.,powered and not experiencing an error) and when the device is able tocommunicate with the control device 335 (e.g., using a datacommunications link). For example, the control device 335 could transmita message to the environmental device (e.g., over a WiFi communicationslink) and, upon receiving an acknowledgement message back from theenvironmental device (e.g., over the WiFi communications link), thecontrol device 335 could determine the environmental device isavailable.

Additionally, the control device 335 determines a first instance ofaudiovisual content currently playing within the physical environment(block 420). Examples of audiovisual content include, withoutlimitation, video game content, movie content, and augmented realitygame content. For example, the control device 335 could receive anetwork message from a display device (e.g., a television set, a mobiledevice, etc.), specifying that a particular instance of video content iscurrently being output on the display device. In one embodiment, such amessage specifies a content identifier that uniquely identifies (e.g.,within a particular content library) the instance of video content. Asanother example, the control device 335 could determine a current storythat the control device 335 is controlling playback of for a particularplaygroup.

The control device 335 also determines an environmental conditioncorresponding to a first playback event within the first instance ofaudiovisual content (block 430). For example, the first playback eventcould be the playback of a particular position within the first instanceof audiovisual content (e.g., playback of an instance of video contentreaching a particular position within the video content). As anotherexample, the first playback event could be the detection of a particulargesture being performed by the user within the physical environment. Asyet another example, the first playback event could be the detection ofa particular sound (e.g., a noise, a spoken phrase, etc.) being made bythe user within the physical environment. The control device 335 thencontrols the one or more environmental devices within the physicalenvironment during the first playback event within the first instance ofaudiovisual content, based on the determined environmental condition(block 440) and the method 400 ends.

For example, the control device 335 could determine that the user hasperformed a particular physical gesture that corresponds to a particularspell within the augmented reality game. In response, the control device335 could determine one or more environmental conditions correspondingto the particular spell. In one embodiment, the control device 335 isconfigured to determine the one or more environmental conditions basedin part on which environmental device(s) are currently available withinthe physical environment. For instance, the control device 335 coulddetermine that the particular spell is a frost bolt spell within theaugmented reality game and could further determine that such a spell isassociated with the environmental conditions of blue lighting effectsand reduced temperatures. In this example, the control device 335 couldfurther determine that no temperature control environmental devices arecurrently available within the physical environment, but could determinethat a lighting device is currently available. The control device 335could then transmit a control instruction to the lighting deviceresponsive to the user performed gesture, instructing the lightingdevice to increase the amount of blue coloration in the light output ofthe lighting device.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for controllingenvironmental devices based on playback of audiovisual content,according to one embodiment described herein. As shown, the method 500begins at block 510, where the control device 335 determines a pluralityof environmental devices that are currently available within a physicalenvironment. Additionally, the control device 335 monitors user activitywithin the physical environment to detect the performance of usergestures (block 520). For example, the control device 335 could monitoruser behavior within the physical environment using one or more cameradevices and could analyze images captured by the one or more cameradevices to determine when the user has performed one of a plurality ofdistinct predefined gesture. As another example, the user could wear adevice (e.g., a wristband) configured with sensor devices (e.g., anaccelerometer, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, etc.), and the controldevice 335 could use data collected from the sensor devices to determinewhen the user performs a particular gesture. For instance, the controldevice 335 could analyze EMG sensor data collected from the user-worndevice to determine when the user's muscle movements match musclemovements associated with the predefined gesture, indicating that theuser has performed the predefined gesture.

If the control device 335 determines that the user has performed thepredefined gesture (block 530) the control device 335 determines anenvironmental condition corresponding to the predefined gesture (block540). As an example, the control device 335 could determine that theperformed user gesture corresponds to an illumination spell within theaugmented reality game, and could determine that the illumination spellhas a predefined relationship (e.g., specified within a database)environmental condition of brighter light within the physicalenvironment. The control device 335 could then select one or more of theenvironmental devices capable of affecting the environmental condition(e.g., based on predefined attributes of the environmental devicesspecified in one or more data structures). For instance, the controldevice 335 could determine that a particular environmental device withinthe physical environment is a lighting device and could select such adevice responsive to the user performed gesture. The control device 335then controls the one or more environmental devices within the physicalenvironment during playback of the first playback event within the firstinstance of audiovisual content, based on the determined environmentalcondition (block 550) and the method 500 ends.

For example, a particular illumination device could be a light sourcewithin the physical environment, and the control device 335 couldtransmit an instruction to the light source (or to a controller for thelight source), instructing the light source to increase an amount oflight it is currently outputting within the physical environment. Insome instances, an environmental device may be capable of performing aparticular effect only in certain conditions. For instance, a windowcovering device may be capable of affecting the environmental conditionof increased illumination during certain hours of the day. As anexample, the control device 335 could determine a current time for thephysical environment and could further determine a range of hours duringwhich the sun is out for the geographic region in which the physicalenvironment is located (e.g., based on predefined parameters, based ondata obtained by querying a remote weather serer, etc.). If the currenttime is within the range of hours during which the sun is known to beout, the control device 335 could be configured to also instruct thewindow covering device to raise the window covering, thereby lettingmore sunlight into the physical environment, as part of achieving theincreased illumination environmental condition.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for controllingenvironmental devices based on playback of audiovisual content,according to one embodiment described herein. As shown, the method 600begins at block 610, where the control device 335 determines a pluralityof environmental devices that are currently available within a physicalenvironment. Additionally, the controller device 33 determines a firstinstance of audiovisual content currently playing within the physicalenvironment (block 620). For example, the control device 335 couldtransmit a request to a display device (e.g., a WiFi-enabled televisiondevice) within the physical environment to determine an instance ofvideo content (e.g., a streaming movie, a broadcast television program,etc.) that is currently playing on the display device. Continuing theexample, the control device 335 could receive a response from thedisplay device, specifying a content identifier that uniquelyidentifiers the instance of video content currently playing on thedisplay device.

Upon determining the instance of video content that is currently playingon the display device, control device 335 could retrieve metadatadescribing a plurality of positions within the first instance ofaudiovisual content (block 630). For example, the metadata coulddescribe locations depicted at various points within the audiovisualcontent, times of day (e.g., daytime, nighttime, dusk, etc.) depicted atvarious points within the audiovisual content, actions depicted atvarious points within the audiovisual content (e.g., a spell cast by acharacter depicted within frames of the audiovisual content, a superpower used by a character depicted within frames of the audiovisualcontent, etc.) and so on. The control device 335 could then determine afuture playback position within the first instance of audiovisualcontent (block 640) and could analyze the retrieved metadata todetermine an environmental condition corresponding to the futureplayback position within the first instance of audiovisual content(block 650). For instance, the control device 335 could determine thatthe metadata indicates that a particular super power is depicted as usedwithin frames of the audiovisual content at the future playback positionand could determine that a particular environmental condition has apredefined association with the particular super power. For instance, asuperpower involving fire could be associated with red light beingemitted in the physical environment and further associated with anincrease in the temperature of the physical environment.

The control device 335 then schedules control of the one or moreenvironmental devices within the physical environment during playback ofthe future playback position within the first instance of audiovisualcontent, based on the determined environmental condition (block 660),and the method 600 ends. For instance, continuing the above example, thecontrol device 335 could schedule for an illumination environmentaldevice to illuminate red light within the physical environment duringthe future playback position. The control device 335 could then transmitan instruction to the illumination environmental device in accordancewith the schedule, instructing the illumination environmental device todisplay red light during the future playback position. The controldevice 335 could also schedule for a temperature control device withinthe physical environment to increase the temperature of the physicalenvironment during the future playback position. As an example, thecontrol device 335 could transmit an instruction to a temperaturecontrol device, instructing the device to increase the temperaturewithin the physical environment.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

An example of an interactive device is shown in FIG. 7, which is a blockdiagram illustrating an interactive device configured with aninteractive object component, according to one embodiment describedherein. In this example, the device 700 includes, without limitation, aprocessor 710, storage 715, memory 720, audio input/output (I/O)device(s) 735, a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver 740, a cameradevice(s) 745, an infrared transceiver 750, an accelerometer device 755,and a light-emitting device 760. Generally, the processor 710 retrievesand executes programming instructions stored in the memory 720.Processor 710 is included to be representative of a single CPU, multipleCPUs, a single CPU having multiple processing cores, GPUs havingmultiple execution paths, and the like. The memory 720 is generallyincluded to be representative of a random access memory. Theradio-frequency transceiver 740 enables the interactive object component725 to connect to a data communications network (e.g., wired Ethernetconnection or an 802.11 wireless network). As discussed above, theinteractive device may include one or more battery devices (not shown).

Further, while the depicted embodiment illustrates the components of aparticular interactive device, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that interactive devices may use a variety of differenthardware architectures. For instance, in one embodiment the controllercomponent logic is implemented as hardware logic. Examples of suchhardware logic include, without limitation, an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC) and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).Moreover, it is explicitly contemplated that embodiments may beimplemented using any device or computer system capable of performingthe functions described herein.

Returning to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the memory 720represents any memory sufficiently large to hold the necessary programsand data structures. Memory 720 could be one or a combination of memorydevices, including Random Access Memory, nonvolatile or backup memory(e.g., programmable or Flash memories, read-only memories, etc.). Inaddition, memory 720 and storage 715 may be considered to include memoryphysically located elsewhere; for example, on another computercommunicatively coupled to the interactive device 700. Illustratively,the memory 720 includes an interactive object component 725 and anoperating system 730. The interactive object component 725 could beconfigured to receive commands (e.g., encoded in RF or infrared signals)and to execute the commands to perform audiovisual effects. In oneembodiment, the interactive object component 725 is configured todecrypt the commands using a received key before executing the commands.The operating system 730 generally controls the execution of applicationprograms on the interactive device 700. Examples of operating system 730include UNIX, a version of the Microsoft Windows® operating system, anddistributions of the Linux® operating system. Additional examples ofoperating system 730 include custom operating systems for gamingconsoles, including the custom operating systems for systems such as theNintendo DS® and Sony PSP®.

The infrared transceiver 750 represents any device capable of sendingand receiving infrared signals. In another embodiment, a device 700 thatonly sends or receives infrared signals may be configured with aninfrared transmitter or a infrared receiver, respectively, as opposed tothe infrared transceiver 750. The sound I/O devices 735 could includedevices such as microphones and speakers. For example, the speakerscould be used to produce sound effects (e.g., explosion sound effects,dialogue, etc.) and/or to produce vibration effects.

Generally, the interactive object component 725 provides logic for theinteractive device 700. For example, the interactive object component725 could be configured to detect that a coded infrared signal has beenreceived (e.g., using the infrared transceiver 750). The interactiveobject component 725 could then determine a type of the infrared signal(e.g., based on data specified within the coded infrared signal) andcould determine a corresponding response based on determined type. Forexample, the interactive object component 725 could determine that theinfrared signal specifies that a repulsor ray blast sound effect shouldbe played, and, in response, could output the specified sound effectusing audio I/O devices 735. As another example, the signal could beencoded with data specifying that a particular lighting effect should bedisplayed according to a specified schedule (e.g., at a particular pointin time), and the interactive object component 725 could monitor theschedule (e.g., using an internal clock) and could activate theappropriate light-emitting device 760 at the appropriate time.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a controller device, according to oneembodiment described herein. As shown, the controller 800 includes aprocessor 810, storage 815, memory 820, a radio-frequency transceiver840 and an infrared transceiver 845. Generally, the processor 810retrieves and executes programming instructions stored in the memory820. Processor 810 is included to be representative of a single CPU,multiple CPUs, a single CPU having multiple processing cores, GPUshaving multiple execution paths, and the like. The memory 820 isgenerally included to be representative of a random access memory. Theradio-frequency transceiver 840 enables the controller device 800 totransmit and receive radio-frequency signals. Likewise, the infraredtransceiver 845 allows the device 800 to transmit and receive infraredsignals. Further, while the depicted embodiment illustrates thecomponents of a particular controller device 800, one of ordinary skillin the art will recognize that interactive objects may use a variety ofdifferent hardware architectures. Moreover, it is explicitlycontemplated that embodiments may be implemented using any device orcomputer system capable of performing the functions described herein.

The memory 820 represents any memory sufficiently large to hold thenecessary programs and data structures. Memory 820 could be one or acombination of memory devices, including Random Access Memory,nonvolatile or backup memory (e.g., programmable or Flash memories,read-only memories, etc.). In addition, memory 820 and storage 815 maybe considered to include memory physically located elsewhere; forexample, on another computer communicatively coupled to the controllerdevice 800. Illustratively, the memory 820 includes a controllercomponent 825, user data 830 and an operating system 835. The operatingsystem 835 generally controls the execution of application programs onthe controller device 800. Examples of operating system 835 includeUNIX, a version of the Microsoft Windows® operating system, anddistributions of the Linux® operating system. Additional examples ofoperating system 835 include custom operating systems for gamingconsoles, including the custom operating systems for systems such as theNintendo DS® and Sony PSP®.

Generally, the controller component 825 configures the interactiveobjects (e.g., toys 110, 115 and 120, or an action disc device 200) toperform particular actions. The particular actions can also be based onthe user data 830 (e.g., historical interactions data between the userand various interactive objects, user preferences data, etc.) and one ormore environmental factor (e.g., a room of the house the object iscurrently in, a time of day, a day of the week, etc.). For instance, inone embodiment, the controller component 825 is configured with logicfor recognizing particular events and broadcasting commands for thedevices to perform a corresponding action(s) in response. In such anembodiment, the controller component 825 could use input/output devices(e.g., cameras, microphones, wireless transceivers, infrared sensors,etc.) to detect when a particular event occurs. For instance, thecontroller component 825 could use a camera to detect when a particularprojection appears, and could then broadcast a command (e.g., using a RFsignal) instructing the devices to perform a corresponding action inresponse. As another example, the controller component 825 could receivea wireless signal (e.g., an RF signal, data communicated using Bluetoothcommunications, etc.) from another one of the devices, indicating that aparticular action has been performed. The device could then broadcast asignal instructing one or more other devices to perform a correspondingaction responsive to receiving the signal.

In a particular embodiment, the controller component 825 is configuredto control the actions of multiple devices to cause the devices toperform audiovisual effects synchronously. For instance, the controllercomponent 825 could broadcast a message to the devices, instructing thedevices to perform a particular audiovisual effect immediately uponreceiving the message. As another example, the controller component 825could broadcast a message to the devices, instructing the devices toperform actions (e.g., play a sound effect, trigger a lighting effect,etc.) according to a schedule. Here, the devices may maintain internalclocks that are synchronized with one another for use in synchronouslyperforming the audiovisual actions.

As discussed above, the controller component 825 can be configured todynamically optimize the playback of audio on various interactivedevices used in the playback of the story. Such alterations can include,without limitation, variable bit rate encodings of audio files,generating audio data using MIDI control operations, applyingequalization parameters to alter audio data, scheduling multiple devicesto output sound effects according to a schedule to give the impressionof stereophonic or surround-sound, and so on. Doing so helps to providea more immersive soundscape during the playback of a story.

Generally speaking, the devices and the controller 800 may beimplemented in any number of different ways, consistent with the presentdisclosure. With respect to hardware, embodiments may employ a modulardesign for maximum hardware reusability across different interactiveobjects. Such a design could include, for instance, hardware adaptersthat allow common processors, memories and buses to receive and senddata via a multiplicity of sensors, displays, effectors and other meansof communication. Additionally, system and/or operating system agnosticsites (e.g., Portals) could be used to ensure maximum compatibility forall users.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile device configured withan augmented reality component, according to one embodiment describedherein. In this example, the mobile device 900 includes, withoutlimitation, a processor 902, storage 905, memory 910, I/O devices 920, anetwork interface 925, camera devices 930, a display devices 935 and anaccelerometer device 940. Generally, the processor 902 retrieves andexecutes programming instructions stored in the memory 910. Processor902 is included to be representative of a single CPU, multiple CPUs, asingle CPU having multiple processing cores, GPUs having multipleexecution paths, and the like. The memory 910 is generally included tobe representative of a random access memory. The network interface 925enables the mobile device 900 to connect to a data communicationsnetwork (e.g., wired Ethernet connection or an 802.11 wireless network).Further, while the depicted embodiment illustrates the components of aparticular mobile device 900, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that augmented reality devices may use a variety of differenthardware architectures. Moreover, it is explicitly contemplated thatembodiments of the invention may be implemented using any device orcomputer system capable of performing the functions described herein.

The memory 910 represents any memory sufficiently large to hold thenecessary programs and data structures. Memory 910 could be one or acombination of memory devices, including Random Access Memory,nonvolatile or backup memory (e.g., programmable or Flash memories,read-only memories, etc.). In addition, memory 910 and storage 905 maybe considered to include memory physically located elsewhere; forexample, on another computer communicatively coupled to the mobiledevice 900. Illustratively, the memory 910 includes an augmented realitycomponent 913 and an operating system 915. The operating system 915generally controls the execution of application programs on theaugmented reality device 900. Examples of operating system 915 includeUNIX, a version of the Microsoft Windows® operating system, anddistributions of the Linux® operating system. Additional examples ofoperating system 915 include custom operating systems for gamingconsoles, including the custom operating systems for systems such as theNintendo DS® and Sony PSP®.

The I/O devices 920 represent a wide variety of input and outputdevices, including displays, keyboards, touch screens, and so on. Forinstance, the I/O devices 920 may include a display device used toprovide a user interface. As an example, the display may provide a touchsensitive surface allowing the user to select different applications andoptions within an application (e.g., to select an instance of digitalmedia content to view). Additionally, the I/O devices 920 may include aset of buttons, switches or other physical device mechanisms forcontrolling the augmented reality device 900. For example, the I/Odevices 920 could include a set of directional buttons used to controlaspects of a video game played using the augmented reality device 900.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an augmented reality headset,according to one embodiment described herein. The augmented realityheadset 1000 includes a mobile device adapter 1010, a beam splitter1020, a sound adapter 1030, a see-through mirror 1040 and a headstrap1050. Generally, the augmented reality headset device 1000 is configuredto interface with a mobile device 900, by way of the mobile deviceadapter 1010. For example, the mobile device adapter 1010 could be aslot within the augmented reality headset 1000 configured to hold themobile device 900. The beam splitter 1020 and see-through mirror 1040are generally arranged in such a way as to project light from thedisplay device 935 of the mobile device 900 to the user's eyes, when theuser views the physical environment while wearing the augmented realityheadset 1000. For example, the beam splitter 1020 and see-through mirror1040 could be arranged in the configuration shown in FIG. 3B anddiscussed above. More generally, however, any configuration suitable forproviding an augmented reality display using the light from the displaydevice 935 of the mobile device 900 can be used, consistent with thefunctionality described herein. The headstrap 1050 generally is used tosecure the augmented reality headset 900 to the user's head. Moregenerally, however, any mechanism (e.g., temples that rest atop theuser's ears) for securing the augmented reality headset 900 can be used.

In the preceding, reference is made to embodiments of the invention.However, the invention is not limited to specific described embodiments.Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whetherrelated to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implementand practice the invention. Furthermore, although embodiments of theinvention may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/orover the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved bya given embodiment is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the precedingaspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrativeand are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claimsexcept where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to“the invention” shall not be construed as a generalization of anyinventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered tobe an element or limitation of the appended claims except whereexplicitly recited in a claim(s).

Aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method orcomputer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present inventionmay take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirelysoftware embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code,etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that mayall generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or“system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take theform of a computer program product embodied in one or more computerreadable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodiedthereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium would include the following: an electrical connectionhaving one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a programfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent invention may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

Aspects of the present invention are described above with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. Each block of the block diagrams and/orflowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagramsand/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special-purposehardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, orcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system of integrating environmental devicesinto a play experience to synchronize changes in physical and virtualenvironments, the system comprising: one or more computer processors;and a memory containing computer program code that, when executed byoperation of the one or more computer processors, performs an operationcomprising: determining that: (i) one or more environmental devices areavailable within the physical environment; (ii) a first interactive gameis playing within the physical environment using one or more electronicdevices; and (iii) a first playback event is occurring within the firstinteractive game; determining an environmental change in the firstinteractive game that will occur during a second playback event withinthe first interactive game, prior to the second playback event occurringwithin the first interactive game, wherein the environmental change isto be depicted in one or more frames displayed during the secondplayback event; determining a moment in time based on a specified amountof time before the second playback event is to occur, wherein thespecified amount of time is sufficient to permit the one or moreenvironmental devices to at least substantially effect a desired changein the physical environment before the second playback event occurs,wherein the desired change is of a type selected from temperature,illumination, or sound; and during the first playback event within thefirst interactive game, synchronously effecting the desired change inthe physical environment with the environmental change in the firstinteractive game, by controlling the one or more environmental devicesvia transmitting one or more instructions to the one or moreenvironmental devices at the determined moment in time.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, the operation further comprising: controlling a second one ormore environmental devices within the physical environment, wherein thesecond one or more environmental devices comprise one or moreillumination devices within the physical environment.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein controlling the second one or more environmentaldevices comprises adjusting an illumination level of the one or moreillumination devices based on an illumination level depicted at thefirst playback event within the first interactive game.
 4. The system ofclaim 2, wherein controlling the second one or more environmentaldevices comprises activating or deactivating the one or moreillumination devices based on an illumination level depicted at thefirst playback event within the first interactive game.
 5. The system ofclaim 2, wherein controlling the second one or more environmentaldevices comprises adjusting a coloration of one or more illuminationdevices based on a coloration depicted at the first playback eventwithin the first interactive game.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theone or more environmental devices comprise one or more temperaturecontrol devices within the physical environment, wherein controlling theone or more environmental devices comprises adjusting a temperaturelevel of the one or more temperature control devices, and wherein thedesired change comprises the physical environment reaching a predefinedtemperature.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein determining one or moreenvironmental devices that are available within a physical environmentcomprises using infrared light to detect the available environmentaldevices, and wherein controlling the one or more environmental devicescomprises using radio frequency signals to communicate with the one ormore environmental devices.
 8. The system of claim 1, the operationfurther comprising: controlling a second one or more environmentaldevices within the physical environment, wherein the second one or moreenvironmental devices comprise one or more audio devices within thephysical environment, and wherein controlling the second one or moreenvironmental devices comprises transmitting an audio effect forplayback using the one or more audio devices, wherein the audio isscheduled to be played at a first moment in time by a first audio deviceand at a second moment in time by a second audio device.
 9. The systemof claim 8, wherein the audio is scheduled to be played at the first andsecond moments in time by the first and second audio devices based on alocation of a user in the physical environment.
 10. The system of claim1, wherein the type of the desired change includes at least threechanges, wherein the at least three changes are of three distinct typesselected from temperature, illumination, and sound, wherein the one ormore environmental devices comprise a first one or more environmentaldevices, wherein the operation further comprises determining thespecified amount of time.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein theoperation further comprises: controlling a second one or moreenvironmental devices within the physical environment, wherein thesecond one or more environmental devices comprise one or moreillumination devices within the physical environment; whereincontrolling the second one or more environmental devices comprises:adjusting an illumination level of at least one of the one or moreillumination devices based on an illumination level depicted at thefirst playback event within the first interactive game; activating ordeactivating at least one of the one or more illumination devices basedon the illumination level depicted at the first playback event withinthe first interactive game; and adjusting a coloration of at least oneof the one or more illumination devices based on a coloration depictedat the first playback event within the first interactive game.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the one or more environmental devicescomprise one or more temperature control devices within the physicalenvironment, wherein controlling the one or more environmental devicescomprises adjusting a temperature level of the one or more temperaturecontrol devices, wherein the desired change comprises the physicalenvironment reaching a predefined temperature, wherein the predefinedtemperature comprises an ambient temperature; wherein determining one ormore environmental devices that are available within a physicalenvironment comprises using infrared light to detect the availableenvironmental devices, wherein controlling the one or more environmentaldevices comprises using radio frequency signals to communicate with theone or more environmental devices.
 13. The system of claim 12, whereinthe second one or more environmental devices comprise one or more audiodevices within the physical environment, wherein controlling the secondone or more environmental devices comprises transmitting an audio effectfor playback using the one or more audio devices, wherein the audio isscheduled to be played at a first moment in time by a first audio deviceand at a second moment in time by a second audio device; wherein theaudio is scheduled to be played at the first and second moments in timeby the first and second audio devices based on a location of a user inthe physical environment.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein thedesired change includes changes of three distinct types selected fromtemperature, illumination, and sound, wherein the operation furthercomprises: controlling a third one or more environmental devices withinthe physical environment, wherein the third one or more environmentaldevices comprise one or more window cover devices for one or morewindows within the physical environment; wherein controlling the thirdone or more environmental devices comprises: upon determining that it issunny outside of the physical environment, activating the window coverdevices to further uncover the one or more windows within the physicalenvironment; wherein the first interactive game comprises (i) a videocontent, (ii) video game content, and (iii) augmented reality gamecontent.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the physical environmentcomprises an interior of a vehicle, wherein the third one or moreenvironmental devices include at least one automated window covering,wherein each of the first, second, and third one or more environmentaldevices within the physical environment are controlled in a synchronizedfashion with one or more augmented reality effects that are depictedwithin the physical environment; wherein determining the environmentalchange comprises detecting the user has performed a first gestureassociated with the environmental change, wherein the performed firstgesture has a predefined relationship with the one or more augmentedreality effects that are depicted within the physical environment;wherein the one or more augmented reality effects depict (i) a time ofday, (ii) a weather condition, and (iii) a physical location.
 16. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium containing computer program codethat, when executed, performs an operation to integrate environmentaldevices into a play experience to synchronize changes in physical andvirtual environments, the operation comprising: determining that: (i)one or more environmental devices are available within the physicalenvironment; (ii) a first interactive game is playing within thephysical environment using one or more electronic devices; and (iii)that a first playback event is occurring within the first interactivegame; determining an environmental change in the first interactive gamethat will occur during a second playback event within the firstinteractive game, prior to the second playback event occurring withinthe first interactive game, wherein the environmental change is to bedepicted in one or more frames displayed during the second playbackevent; determining a moment in time based on a specified amount of timebefore the second playback event is to occur, wherein the specifiedamount of time is sufficient to permit the one or more environmentaldevices to at least substantially effect a desired change in thephysical environment before the second playback event occurs, whereinthe desired change is of a type selected from temperature, illumination,or sound; and during the first playback event within the firstinteractive game, synchronously effecting the desired change in thephysical environment with the environmental change in the firstinteractive game, by controlling, by operation of one or more computerprocessors when executing the computer program code, the one or moreenvironmental devices via transmitting one or more instructions to theone or more environmental devices at the determined moment in time. 17.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the oneor more environmental devices within the physical environment arecontrolled in a synchronized fashion with one or more augmented realityeffects that are depicted within the physical environment.
 18. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the firstinteractive game comprises augmented reality game content, whereindetermining the environmental change comprises detecting a user hasperformed a first gesture associated with the environmental change,wherein the performed first gesture has a predefined relationship withthe one or more augmented reality effects that are depicted within thephysical environment.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 18, wherein the one or more augmented reality effects depict atleast one of (i) a time of day, (ii) a weather condition and (iii) aphysical location.
 20. A computer-implemented method to integrateenvironmental devices into a play experience to synchronize changes inphysical and virtual environments, the computer-implemented methodcomprising: determining that: (i) one or more environmental devices areavailable within a physical environment; (ii) a first interactive gameis playing within the physical environment using one or more electronicdevices; and (iii) a first playback event is occurring within the firstinteractive game; determining an environmental change in the firstinteractive game that will occur during a second playback event withinthe first interactive game, prior to the second playback event occurringwithin the first interactive game, wherein the environmental change isto be depicted in one or more frames displayed during the secondplayback event; determining a moment in time based on a specified amountof time before the second playback event is to occur, wherein thespecified amount of time is sufficient to permit the one or moreenvironmental devices to at least substantially effect a desired changein the physical environment before the second playback event occurs,wherein the desired change is of a type selected from temperature,illumination, or sound; and during the first playback event within thefirst interactive game, synchronously effecting the desired change inthe physical environment with the environmental change in the firstinteractive game, by controlling, by operation of one or more computerprocessors, the one or more environmental devices via transmitting oneor more instructions to the one or more environmental devices at thedetermined moment in time.